By Haralambos M. Bousias
On the same day [May 30], the commemoration of the Holy and Glorious Twenty-Three New Martyrs from among the Hagarenes, who contested in Thyateira.
Verses
Three together with twenty Martyrs of Thyateira,
You have now magnified Christ by your contests.
The glorious New Martyrs of Thyateira, who came from among the Hagarenes, recently [1649] contended for the faith of Christ, the faith that brings salvation. As obedient students sitting at the feet of the Sheikh of Thyateira, the most wise teacher of the Mohammedan law, they followed him into the knowledge of the truth, which the grace of the All-Holy Spirit had taught him. When the twenty-three young men came to know the truth of the gospel, they abandoned the error of their fathers and enlisted themselves under Christ, remaining faithful to Him even unto martyrdom. Having therefore all struggled lawfully, they endured their sufferings with steadfastness. The Sheikh suffered death by strangulation, while his blessed martyr-disciples endured impalements, the burning of their limbs, and suspension upon the gallows. After their martyric consummation, they became workers of miracles by their own agency through the grace of God.
Through their holy intercessions, O Christ God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.
Apolytikion
Tone Plagal of the First. "Ton synanarchon Logon"
Let us hymn the New Martyrs of Thyateira, the Spirit-bearing Sheikh and his disciples, whom the grace of the Divine Spirit drew to the truth of Christ and counted worthy to bear steadfast witness for it, as pillars of the divine faith strengthening those of faint heart.
Kontakion
Tone Plagal of the Fourth). "Ti Ypermacho"
Let us honor the New Martyrs of Thyateira, the twenty-two disciples of the Koran together with their teacher, whom he drew to the holy faith of Christ, and whom he also led to martyrdom. With fitting hymns let us praise them, crying out with longing: Rejoice, O newly-contending company!
Oikos
The angels from heaven crown you all, O revered new athletes of Thyateira, who were drawn from among the Hagarenes to the faith of the Creator. As the ranks of the faithful sing of your sufferings, we cry out with reverence:
Rejoice, assembly of glorious Martyrs;
rejoice, constellation of courageous athletes.
Rejoice, gathering of gloriously victorious disciples;
rejoice, festival of the devout who came forth from unbelief.
Rejoice, all-wise teacher, who made Christ known;
rejoice, all-honored new athlete, who conquered the enemy.
Rejoice, company that renounced the deception of Hagar;
rejoice, honorable fellowship of divine love.
Rejoice, newly-risen stars of courage;
rejoice, freshly-plucked lilies of boldness.
Rejoice, swarm of radiant new athletes;
rejoice, sword against the delusion of the sons of Hagar.
Rejoice, O newly-contending company!
Megalynarion
Let us honor with hymns the august choir of the New Martyrs in Thyateira, who from among the unbelieving Hagarenes were recently drawn to the Holy Faith and, with fervent longing, contended in martyrdom.
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